Hydration Basics

Articles: 5

Hydration plays an important role in your comfort and performance while hiking, biking, skiing, running and climbing. In this series, we cover everything from how much to drink to how to treat water in the backcountry.

  • a hiker drinking from a clear water bottle

    Skills

    How to Stay Hydrated on the Trail

    238 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Staying properly hydrated is key to your comfort and health on the trail. Learn how much to drink and how to recognize dehydration and overhydration.

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    Buying Advice

    How to Choose Hydration Packs

    350 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Which hydration pack is best? Learn about reservoir size, gear capacity and other key pack features for cyclists, runners, hikers and more.

  • A trail runner pauses to take a drink from her water bottle.

    Care and Repair

    Water Bottle and Reservoir Care

    245 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to keep your plastic water bottles and hydration reservoirs clean and odor-free. Includes tips on usage, washing and drying.

  • Fire lookout perched atop rocky outcrop with evergreen trees in foreground

    Care and Repair

    How to Clean a Hydration Bladder

    324 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Cleaning your hydration reservoir can be an awkward task, but it’s not hard to do. We’ll give you a few tips to make it easier.

  • A hiker refills her water bottle from a lake using a squeeze filter

    Buying Advice

    How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier

    555 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Learn about backcountry water risks, ways to treat water and factors to consider when choosing a filter, purifier or other treatment method.